Tutoring Session Planning

Most lesson planning advice still follows the “predict-and-control” model: set outcomes, hit them, measure them. Neat, but we know language learning is rarely neat. Learners notice things we didn’t plan, take conversations in unexpected directions, and learn despite our plans. I revisited Jason Anderson’s article on affordance-based lesson planning the other day while preparing a course for teachers, and it struck me how refreshing and practical it still is. Instead of planning as a rigid checklist to chase outcomes, Jason reframes it as preparing ourselves to spot and build on opportunities(affordances)that emerge in real time. It’s the way experienced teachers naturally teach, but this perspective can transform planning for all of us, giving us permission to teach the learners, not just the plan. I remember back in the day planning a “tight” grammar lesson on conditionals, feeling proud of my precise objectives and timings. 10 minutes in, a student asked, “why do we say If I were instead of If I was?” That one question sparked a lively debate, linking to songs they knew and stories of regrets they wanted to share. We spent half the lesson exploring real-life uses and common chunks, far beyond my plan. I left the classroom thinking, “Was that a failure?” Looking back, it was one of the richest learning moments my students had. They noticed, they questioned, they connected. And I realised: A good plan gives us the courage to leave it. Lesson planning isn’t just about predicting learning. It’s about preparing ourselves to notice, respond, and support the learning that actually happens. Here are a few ways this mindset can reshape your planning: * Instead of writing “By the end of the lesson, learners will…” try: “During the lesson, learners may notice…, may develop…, may question…” This shift recognises that learners are active agents, not passive recipients. * Instead of listing “anticipated problems” in your plan, note “possible occurrences.” These can be positive, neutral, or unexpected learner questions, tangents, or noticing moments you might scaffold. * Replace fixed “timings” with “time frames.” example, “discussion: 7–12 min” allows flexibility when a conversation sparks deeper interest. * Plan optional stages. Got a challenging listening? Plan an optional repeat with the transcript if learners need it, or a vocabulary noticing task if interest emerges. * Post-lesson reflection matters. Instead of “Did I hit my outcomes?” ask: - What learning actually occurred, and for whom? - What unplanned opportunities arose, and how did I respond? - What might I do differently next time to facilitate emergent learning? This approach transforms the plan from a contract with an observer into a tool to nurture dynamic, responsive teaching. It also takes the pressure off the “perfect lesson” and replaces it with the real lesson...one where you respond to your learners in real time, using your plan as a flexible guide rather than a script.

“I’m sorry, but we won’t be moving forward after the trial.” When we think of trial classes, many of us nod politely and move on. After all, it isn’t a paid session. It doesn’t show up as revenue on the spreadsheet. Yet in a market where trust is currency, a trial class is often the single most decisive moment in a tutor’s relationship with a family. Parents today are inundated with options. Online platforms, independent tutors, coaching academies are all vying for a slice of attention. When a parent signs up for a trial, they are essentially saying: “I trust you enough to give you 30 minutes of my child’s time.” That trust is fragile. Every moment during that class signals something: your organization, your warmth, your ability to listen. If you breeze through the introduction without learning a student’s name, or if your technology falters without a backup plan, it tells the parent that you might not be the safe pair of hands they’re looking for. When I explain this to fellow tutors, I often use the analogy of a job interview. In a corporate interview, candidates rarely look at it as “just a test.” They prepare talking points, anticipate questions, and practice their introductions. Why, then, do so many tutors approach trial classes as though they carry no real stakes? If you’re ready to take your trial classes seriously, here are a few steps that have worked for me: ✔️ Personalize the Warm-Up Always find out one fun fact about the student beforehand (a favorite hobby, a recent achievement) and weave that into your introduction. ✔️Showcase Your Method Present a mini-lesson that highlights your unique approach: a reading comprehension snippet, a math puzzle, or a quick creative exercise. ✔️Engage, Don’t Lecture Aim for interaction every two to three minutes. Ask open-ended questions, invite students to come to the virtual whiteboard, or use gamification. Just engage! ✔️Address Pain Points Ask the parent (privately, if possible) what challenges they’ve faced with tutors in the past. Then demonstrate how you’d solve one of those issues. ✔️End with Next Steps Instead of a vague “Let me know what you think,” say, “Here’s what our first month together could look like, shall we schedule the next session? So let’s commit: Every trial class is an invitation to partnership. Every trial class is a chance to demonstrate our best. Every trial class is, in fact, the first day of something that could last a lifetime. So treat each of those stages with care, and referrals will follow. If you’ve ever treated a trial session as “just a trial,” consider today your invitation to rethink that approach. What if your next trial class became the story you tell of how you won your biggest partnership yet? That’s the power waiting in those first 30-40 minutes. Don’t let it slip away. #OnlineTutoring #TrialClassesMatter #FirstImpressions #TeachingExcellence #TutorTips #StudentEngagement #ParentPartnership #PersonalizedLearning #VirtualClassroom

Attention: NEW TEACHERS Here's a solid lesson plan structure you might can use: 1. Objective: Start with a clear learning objective. What should students know or be able to do by the end of the lesson? Make it specific and measurable. 2. Materials: List all the materials you'll need, from textbooks and handouts to technology and art supplies. Having everything ready saves time and prevents disruptions. 3. Introduction (5-10 minutes): Begin with an engaging hook to grab students' attention. This could be a question, a short video, or a brief activity that connects to the lesson topic. 4. Instruction (15-20 minutes): Present the new material in a clear and organized way. Use examples, demonstrations, and visuals to help students understand. Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks. 5. Guided Practice (10-15 minutes): Lead students through practice activities, providing support and feedback as they work. This helps them apply what they've learned and build confidence. 6. Independent Practice (15-20 minutes): Give students the opportunity to practice on their own. This could be worksheets, projects, or problem-solving activities. Monitor their progress and offer help when needed. 7. Assessment (5-10 minutes): Check for understanding with a quick quiz, exit ticket, or class discussion. This helps you gauge whether students have met the learning objective and identify areas where they need more support. 8. Closure (5 minutes): Wrap up the lesson by summarizing key points and previewing what's next. This reinforces learning and helps students see the big picture.

This framework to start a training session will get your audience engaged from the start Protip: cheesy ice breakers ain't it They instantly build a barrier to learning. Adults will roll their eyes and start tuning out right away so do this instead. ✅ Pre-Session: Start communication drip of intro vid, FAQ, session objectives and what to expect before session starts ✅ Introduction: Clearly define what participants will learn/know/do by end of session & how it's directly tied to job roll success ✅ Housekeeping: Quick review of session plan, bathroom breaks, electronics policy - someone will be distracted if you don't address ✅ Activity: Targeted as intro to topic, reframe audience's mindset, measure audience current knowledge ✅ Debrief: Guided discussion to draw audience into the conversation further THEN you dive into first real topic. A saleable framework that can be as short or long as you like but gets people dialed into why they are their, builds trust and gets them ready to learn. Would you use a framework like this in your next session?